Just for Kids Organic Body Wash

Saponification is the process by which natural plant oils become pure soap when combined with alkaline water. Our foaming hand soap and shower gels are made using certified organic oils blended at precise temperatures with an alkali solution. (Modern alkali is made by running electricity through salt water.) Most “soaps” today are not soaps at all but detergents made with the use of cheaper petrochemicals. Some are made with “Vegetable-based” or “Plant-based Surfactants” but they are still detergents and they still use petrochemicals in their process.

Just for Kids Organic Body Lotion

Organic Aloe Vera Juice (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera has renown healing properties, anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin and help heal cuts, grazes, burns and insect bites. It has been used as early as 1500 BC in Egypt for skin care.

Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)
Coconut oil is expressed from coconut kernels. Coconut oil is commonly used to promote lather in soaps and gel. Wonderfully emollient and has cooling properties.

Emulsifying Wax NF
Plant based, used to create a bond between water and oil. A critical ingredient in lotions and cream, since there is no other natural product that can create a smooth texture. An emulsifier is a chemical compound that joins oil and water and forms a stable mixture.

Palm Stearic Acid
A vegetable derivative used to stiffen and stabilize lotions and creams. Occurs naturally in vegetable fats. A white, waxy, natural fatty acid.

Kosher Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin is obtained by adding alkalies to fats and fixed oils. It is the by-product of the saponification process used to convert oils into soap.  Glycerin is a soothing humectant which draws moisture from the air to the skin. Glycerin is an emollient, which makes the skin feel softer and smoother, reduces rough feeling, cracking and irritated skin. Nontoxic, nonirritating and nonallergenic. 

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis)   Essential Oils
Lavender and chamomile essential oils are known for their soothing relaxing properties. Sweet Orange is considered to be a happy scent .   Not all essential oils are safe for babies.  Lavender, Sweet Orange and Chamomile essential oils are considered safe for newborns.

Grapeseed Oil(Vitis vinifera)
Grapeseed oil is made from the seeds of wine producing grapes. The lightest of oils and virtually odorless. Contains vitamins, minerals, high in polyunsaturates and protein. Grapeseed oil is wonderful used around the eyes and neck. Widely used in hypoallergenic natural products because it does not often cause allergic reactions in the highly allergic.

Phenoxyethanol
A paraben free preservative.  It does not react with other ingredients, air or light.  It is very stable.  We use phenoxyethynol at 1% or less.  It has been tested on the skin and eyes and it is non irritating and non sensitizing at levels of 2.2% or lower. Phenoxyethynol is not a broad spectrum preservative by itself.  Through extensive research and testing, we have found success in combining it with another commonly used and completely safe cosmetic ingredient, Edta.

Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide gum)
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide (natural sugar) fermented from corn sugar. Often used in the food industry to thicken and stabilize products. It can be added to thicken a cosmetic product.

Mannan
Mannan is a natural polysaccharide consisting of glucose, mannose, and acetyl mannosemonomers. It is used as a stabilizer of oil-in-water emulsions for cosmetics.

Tetrasodium Edta
A preservative derived from sodium salts.  Edta is used as a chelating agent.  The Greek root of the word chelate is chele which means “to claw”.   The root of the word creates a great visual image of what Edta as a chelating agent does.  Edta “claws” or “binds” minerals, which are necessary components for the growth of mold.  For instance, Edta binds up magnesium which prevents the growth of mold.  Edta is also used in many foods, for instance mayonnaise and soft drinks, that include ascorbic and sodium benzoate to reduce the formation of benzene (a carcinogen).

Citric Acid
Derived from citrus fruits by fermentation of crude sugars. Used as a preservative and to adjust acid-alkali balance. Citric acid is said to have antioxidant and toning properties.

Just for Kids Bath Gentle Bath Soak

Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate is used to soften dry skin, exfoliates, and helps ease tension. Excellent for relieving minor skin irritations, such as dry or sunburned skin.

Aloe Powder (Aloe barbadensis)
The gel of the Aloe Vera plant is well known as a soothing healer for conditions such as cuts, scrapes, bruises and sunburn.  There are many varieties on the market.  Our Aloe Vera is IASC Certified by the International Aloe Science Council that insures purity of aloe products.  The aloe comes from freshly harvested leaves of the Aloe Vera barbadensis.  The gel concentrate is then freeze dried without the use of preservatives or any other additives.

Panthenol Vitamin B Complex (d-Calcium Pantothenate)
Good for human tissues, used in skin and hair products. A vitamin B-complex group which provides cumulative conditioning effects after extended and regular use.

 Zinc Oxide (Flowers of Zinc)
Used medicinally as an astringent, antiseptic, skin protective, encourages healing. Zinc Oxide is a physical UV filter. Zinc oxide is a protective substance which can be used as a sun block.

Allantoin (Ureidohydantoin - Comfrey)
A non-toxic crystal created by the oxidation of uric acid. Has the ability to help heal wounds, sores and stimulates the growth of healthy tissue. Allantoin is a skin softener and an anti-irritant, which inhibits allergic type responses.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), Blue Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla ) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) Essential Oils
Lavender and chamomile essential oils are known for their soothing relaxing properties.  Not all essential oils are considered safe for babies.  Lavender and Chamomile essential oils are considered safe for newborns.

Ingredients from label of Johnson and Johnson Baby Wash, Original:
Water, PEG-80, Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Lauroampho PG. Acetate Phosphate, Fragrance, Quaternium-15, Tetrasodium EDTA

PEG-80, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-150:  1,4-Dioxane can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" and most other ethoxylated "eth" ingredients.  The Environmental Protection Agency considers 1,4-dioxane a probable human carcinogen. (EPA, 2003). The FDA has expressed continuing concerns about 1,4-dioxane, noting its potential to contaminate a wide range of products, its ready penetration through the skin, and the evidence linking it to systemic cancer in a skin painting study (FDA 2000).

Fragrance
A catch all phrase which may mean anything. Chemical fragrances can contribute to health problems such as asthma, migraines, neurotoxic effects, and upper respiratory irritation. When EPA researchers tested thirty-one fragrance products, they found that more than half the products contained ingredients listed under the EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act. Since perfume can enter the body through the skin or inhalation, many of these chemicals are readily absorbed and accumulate in the body’s fatty tissue. Most products with “fragrance” also contain Phthalates, a chemical that can mimic hormones.

Ingredients from Johnson and Johnson Baby Lotion:
Water, Propylene Gycol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 61, C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone,  Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Synthetic Beeswax, Stearyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, Red 33

Propylene Glycol (PG)
Petroleum by-product that act as surfactants (wetting agents and solvents).  They easily penetrate skin and weaken protein and cellular structure. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver and kidney abnormalities.

Fragrance
A catch all phrase which may mean anything. Chemical fragrances can contribute to health problems such as asthma, migraines, neurotoxic effects, and upper respiratory irritation. When EPA researchers tested thirty-one fragrance products, they found that more than half the products contained ingredients listed under the EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act. Since perfume can enter the body through the skin or inhalation, many of these chemicals are readily absorbed and accumulate in the body’s fatty tissue. Most products with “fragrance” also contain Phthalates a chemical that can mimic hormones.

Parabens:  a group of compounds widely used as anti-microbial preservatives in cosmetics products.  Studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body with butyl-paraben being the most potent.  Synthetic chemicals that mimic the actions of estrogens increase the risk of breast cancer.  Evidence indicates that EDCs also may contribute to early puberty as well as reproductive and fertility issues in boys and girls. (Breast Cancer Fund Report, 2008)

BHA and BHT petroleum derivative, retards spoilage due to oxidation; used in edible oils, chewing gum, fats, margarine, nuts, instant potato products, polyethylene food wraps; not permitted in infant foods, can provoke an allergic reaction in some people, may trigger hyperactivity and other intolerances; serious concerns over carcinogenicity and estrogenic effects, in large doses caused tumors in lab animals. Banned in Japan in 1958.  Identified as a "carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and has been banned in Europe.  McDonald's eliminated BHT from their US products by 1986.

Newborn babies do not need much soap.  An occasional sponge bath with a tiny drop of the body wash is all that is required.

Massage has been shown to be an effective bonding experience between mothers and babies.  There are many massage oils on the market for kids, but lotions are actually considered a safer alternative then oils because the oils may be too readily absorbed into the skin and they may also make a baby dangerously slippery when picked up.  If you do choose to purchase a massage oil, make sure that it is chemical-free and contains essential oils recommended for babies. 

Other Chemical-Free Recipes: 
For cradle cap, rub organic olive oil onto the scalp.  Then comb with a narrow comb.

For congestion or a croup cough, add Chartreuse Peppermint Bath Salt to a hot bath for temporary relief of congestion.